ECHL: Finnegan Re-signs with the Thunder, Irwin Signs Overseas

The Wichita Thunder have announced that they have re-signed 5’9″ forward Ryan Finnegan for the 2025-26 season while 6’1″ defenseman Reid Irwin has signed overseas with the Belfast Giants.

Ryan Finnegan Re-Signs: Speed and Consistency Return to Wichita

Ryan Finnegan began his junior career in the 2014–15 season, appearing in four USHL games with the Green Bay Gamblers. He then moved to the BCHL, where he played parts of two seasons with the Merritt Centennials and Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Over 69 BCHL games, Finnegan recorded nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points, along with four penalty minutes. He added two goals and two assists in five playoff games.

Finnegan finished the 2016–17 season in the USPHL Premier with the New Jersey Hitmen, posting seven goals and 13 assists in 26 games. He returned to the Hitmen the following season in the NCDC, serving as an alternate captain. In 47 NCDC games, he tallied 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points, while picking up 10 penalty minutes. He added three goals and eight assists over nine playoff games.

After his junior career, Finnegan moved to college hockey, playing Division II with Lindenwood University in the ACHA. He appeared in 68 games over four seasons, notching 35 goals and 75 assists for 110 points. During his final year, he transitioned to NCAA Division I as Lindenwood made the jump. In 29 DI games, he collected six goals and 14 assists for 20 points and logged six penalty minutes with a -8 rating.

Finnegan turned pro in the ECHL, debuting with the Reading Royals in three games. He then joined the Wichita Thunder for the 2023–24 season and has spent the past two years with the team. In 98 games, he has scored 15 goals and added 23 assists for 38 points, with 28 penalty minutes and a +4 rating.

Finnegan’s re-signing is a strong move for the Thunder. His speed consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses, and he has a knack for getting to the net to capitalize on rebounds or deflections.

Next Chapter: Reid Irwin Heads Overseas for 2025–26

Reid Irwin launched his junior career in 2016–17 with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL, playing in four games. He then moved to the AJHL, splitting the rest of his junior career between the Lloydminster Bobcats and the Sherwood Park Crusaders. Over 175 AJHL games, Irwin produced 17 goals and 67 assists for 84 points, while recording 106 penalty minutes. He served as an alternate captain during his second season with the Bobcats.

Irwin continued his hockey journey at the University of Denver, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons. In 32 games with the Pioneers, he scored four goals and added one assist, with 21 penalty minutes and a +12 rating. He helped the team win the NCHC Regular Season title and capture the NCAA Frozen Four Championship in 2021–22. After entering the transfer portal, Irwin finished his college career at Colgate University, spending three seasons there. He served as an alternate captain in his second year and captained the team as a senior. In 107 games with Colgate, he tallied 10 goals and 34 assists for 44 points, along with 77 penalty minutes and a +6 rating. He also helped Colgate win the ECAC Championship in 2022–23.

Irwin wrapped up his collegiate career in 2024–25 and signed with the Wichita Thunder to close out the season. In nine ECHL games, he registered one goal and one assist, with six penalty minutes and a +1 rating.

Despite limited time, Irwin brought strong defensive play to Wichita. His absence will leave a noticeable gap on the blue line heading into the 2025–26 season.